Minutes

Connecticut River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization

November 12, 2008

 

Attendance:

Chester:                                               

Clinton:                      

Deep River:    

Essex:                          Phil Miller

Killingworth:               Richard Cabral

Lyme:                         Ralph Eno

Old Lyme:                   Tim Griswold

Old Saybrook:            Mike Pace

Westbrook:                 Noel Bishop

ETD:                           Kim Morton, Executive Director, ETD

Guests:                        Carla Iezzi, DOT Representative                               

                                    Paula Ferrara, Executive Director, ECS                                            

                                   Ellen Paul, Rep Courtney’s Office

                                   Jamie Spallone, State Representative

                                   Helena Halyna, ETD

                                              

CRERPA Staff:           Linda Krause, Janice Ehle-Meyer, Pat Anthony

 Call to Order

            The meeting of the Connecticut River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization was called to order by Chairman Mike Pace at 9:05 a.m. in the CRERPA conference space, Suite B, of the Marketplace, Boston Post Rd. Old Saybrook.

           I. Public Involvement Period:

             Chris Nelson, Town Planner, of Old Saybrook talked about the Bikeways Committee in Old Saybrook and the coordination of effort with CRERPA staff to establish “multi purpose” trails. She explained that there is a change in culture and introducing innovative programs is important.

                        Linda reported that the RPO directors met last week with the new Commissioner of ConnDOT, Joseph Marie. Linda noted that the bridge construction on Route 154 over Chester Creek, for example, had no provision for a bike lane.  If some of the bridges are built as planned, the routes may be unsafe for bicycles for years to come.

            Mike Pace noted that the North Main Street project in Old Saybrook will include sidewalks and 20 additional parking places by the railroad station. The cost was minimal by comparison to the State’s configuration. Lights similar to those on Main Street will be installed.  Phil Miller said there is a 200 car lot available in Essex and perhaps there should be a transit connection from that lot to Shore Line East.

 

II. Minutes

                        Rich Cabral made the motion to accept the minutes of October ‘09.  Phil Miller seconded. All were in favor.                      

III. Federal and State Programs:

            a. Certification Review;  Every four years a review takes place. The purpose is to made certain that all the parameters of compliance of Federal rules and regulations are in place.  There will be two full-day meetings.  A meeting will be held at CRERPA on November 18 from 9:00 to 4:30.  All selectmen were asked to attend this important meeting.  Emails of the agendas were forwarded to selectmen, town clerks, board members and zoning officers in the area. Bill Peace, Old Saybrook Selectman, will be speaking between 3:45 to 4:30.  Jean Davies and Linda Krause will be attending a similar meeting on the 20th in New Haven.

            b. CTDOT Correspondence:  Carla Iezzi, DOT, gave a summary of upcoming anticipated projects primarily in Chester, Essex, Old Lyme and Killingworth.  She noted that there are some issues to be resolved concerning the identified projects.  Shuttle service in Westbrook was also discussed.

 

            Mike introduced Jamie Spallone, State Representative, who had to leave the meeting for a commitment in Haddam. Jamie gave an update on the the Ethics report.  The report will be complete by end of this year.  The GAE committee then reviews it.  Jamie said this will be a long process. The testimony at CCM will be part of the report.                       

            c. Planning Projects Updates: Transportation Survey/Multipurpose Trail

                        Linda stated that the transportation survey has been completed.  It was agreed to work with the new staff at ETD in planning routes, etc.

            d. REPT – Transportation ESF#1 Committee Update – Nothing to report

            e.  CTDOT Procedures, Contracts & resolutions (Safe Routes to School)

                        Chris Nelson talked about the requirements of safe routes to school and how it works. Several routes may need to be “school” initiated programs.  It was suggested that towns could help with the plans and not necessarily a school initiated program. Safe Routes is a national issue.

 

5. Other Transportation Issues - None

 

            A Motion to adjourn made by Rich Cabral and seconded by Tim Griswold.  The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Pat Anthony, Clerk